Aging and Depression

Depression Busters

Now that the factors leading to depression have been identified, you can begin working towards reducing the symptoms. Remember, doing nothing is always easier but rarely better. Looking to feel better? Here’s how:

• Prevent and prepare – Treating a small cut on your hand is much simpler than treating a large, infected wound. Similarly, treating symptoms of depression as they develop is easier and more effective than allowing them to worsen over time. Even if you do not feel symptoms of depression now, find ways to improve your life so that these issues do not present at a later time. Establishing a plan of attack before you need it will leave you better prepared.
• Identify and accept – If you have not had previous symptoms of depression, you may be unfamiliar with what to look out for. Paying attention to your mental health may seem difficult at first, but is beneficial. Think about how you are feeling, what kinds of behaviors you are completing (or not completing) and what thoughts are coming to mind. If your thoughts, feelings and behaviors are indicative of depression, don’t live in denial. Denial and avoidance of the truth only serve to worsen symptoms because they grow while ignored. Additionally, when left untreated, depression will manifest in other ways, which target your physical health and relationships.
• Focus on the positive – How did you envision retirement when you were younger? What did you want to accomplish before you died? Now is your opportunity to complete the things that you never had the time to do. By establishing goals and objectives to accomplish, you give your life a sense of purpose. Goals are something to strive for as they add motivation to your life. Even if the situations have changed, find ways to creatively modify your plans to finish what you started.

• Professional help – If depression begins to impact your life, seek out professional support. Therapists and psychiatrists understand what aging involves. They are able to provide you with services specifically designed for you. A psychiatrist will have a good understanding of the other medications you are prescribed to avoid any interactions. Rethink your prior perceptions of therapists. Many older adults see therapy as unnecessary because people should be able to “pull themselves up by their bootstraps.” Unfortunately, this view will only stigmatize your own depression. The truth is people get depressed and therapists help. A therapist can also help distinguish between depression and grief. Many times they present in nearly identical ways but require different types of treatment.
• Support – As time goes by, death and distance work to reduce your social supports. Without supports, you will experience more loneliness and feelings of isolation. These strengthen depression. Choose a different path by reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. Consider attending a senior center or volunteering. Volunteering helps by adding new social supports while finding a new identity through your activities. Registering for a class could yield a similar result.
• Pets – Having something that depends on you and is always happy to see you can be a welcomed addition to your home. Pets are associated with many physical health and mental health benefits. A pet can help you establish a schedule and set a routine. Also, pets can help you get the exercise that becomes more difficult to achieve as you age.

Conclusion

Depression in older adults is a common problem, but not one that has to be accepted without action. Learning about the symptoms and the contributors allows you to gain much needed information about the illness.

With this information, you are able to choose the best course of action to reduce and eliminate your symptoms. With the right strategies, your later years could be the best years of your life.